Remote Programming System And Method For Replacement Vehicle Keys

What is this patent about?

’818 is related to the field of vehicle security systems, specifically the remote programming of engine control units (ECUs) to accept replacement keys. The background involves the problem of replacing lost or unavailable car keys, which traditionally requires a locksmith to physically visit the vehicle and use specialized equipment to reprogram the ECU. This process can be time-consuming and expensive, creating inconvenience for vehicle owners and challenges for entities managing fleets of vehicles.

The underlying idea behind ’818 is to enable remote reprogramming of vehicle ECUs by leveraging a networked system. The key inventive insight is to use a combination of an onboard diagnostic (OBD) interface , a mobile device, and a remote back-end server to securely and efficiently update the ECU's key acceptance parameters. This allows for reprogramming without requiring a locksmith's physical presence, reducing costs and improving efficiency.

The claims of ’818 focus on a method and a mobile computing device for remotely programming a vehicle to accept a replacement key. The method involves communicatively linking an interface device to a vehicle, linking the interface device with a mobile electronic device, and linking the mobile electronic device with a programming machine. The claims cover communicating identifying information about the vehicle to the programming machine, storing programming information received from the programming machine, and programming the vehicle to accept a tangible second key based on the stored programming information. A key aspect is displaying prompts on the mobile device directing an operator to physically interact with the vehicle.

In practice, the system works by first establishing a communication link between the vehicle's ECU and a remote server. This is achieved by plugging an OBD interface into the vehicle, which then connects to a mobile device (like a smartphone) via Bluetooth or a cable. The smartphone, running a dedicated application, then communicates with a back-end server over the internet. The server, after receiving vehicle identification data, provides specific programming instructions and data back to the smartphone, which then relays them to the ECU via the OBD interface. The operator is guided through the process by prompts on the smartphone, such as turning the ignition key to a specific position or pressing certain buttons on the dashboard.

This approach differentiates itself from prior solutions by eliminating the need for specialized locksmith equipment and on-site expertise. Instead of requiring a trained technician to physically manipulate the ECU, the system allows a less skilled operator to follow instructions provided by the remote server. The centralized server can also maintain a database of vehicle-specific programming procedures, ensuring compatibility and security. Furthermore, the system can log and verify successful reprogramming events, providing accountability and preventing fraudulent claims of unsuccessful key replacements.